Anybody see this dude's act? He's got one of the biggest billboards on the Strip. They call him "Entertainer of the Year."
So I asked. And people I've talked to who have seen his show tell me not to bother. One guy called him "A poor man's Rich Little."
Pass.
Speaking of passing....warning: dorky segue coming up!.....that's the point of emphasis assistant coach Phil Weber has used as he instructs the Knicks summer league team through drills. The ball has to be constantly moving because once it stops, the defense can get set.
A lot of you have said you don't want to watch Jamal Crawford and his dribble-show one-on-one And-1 display. I think it's safe to say those days are over.
What you saw last season and most of the Isiah coaching era was the result of a thin playbook. By last season, a few Knick players told me they weren't even running plays anymore. (As if we couldn't tell). The Knicks would come out of timeouts and literally it was get Jamal the ball and get out of the way.
The D'Antoni philosophy, which Weber is trying to instruct over three days, is based on constant ball movement. When the ball stops, a shot must go up. It's that simple. Pass and move, pass and move until there is a shot. And usually that shot opportunity comes quickly if the passing and moving is done right.
Danilo Gallinari -- everyone is already calling him 'Gallo' by the way -- will fit quite well in this philosophy. D'Antoni tried very hard to quell his enthusiasm after watching Gallo in his first two practices, Friday night and Saturday morning. But he kept saying, "He's got skills. He can play." And marvels at his shooting ability, toughness and intangibles such as this: During a dry-run of the offensive set, Weber had the players run six times. Before the seventh, Gallinari noticed that one of the five players didn't get a shot yet so he asked if they could run it for that player. D'Antoni tapped his forehead and smiled, "He's got it up here."
And Quentin Richardson has less of something else up there (dorky segue No. 2...we're on a roll...I blame Danny F#@&ing Gans) because he shaved his head. That's one way to cut down your weight.
Q says he's trimmed down but like Queen Latifah, it's not about the weight. He's a size healthier, baby.
Oh and there's the Queen herself, always looking healthy. This one's for you fellas who like the healthier ladies. God bless em.
Gonna go rob the Bellagio tonight. Saw a movie on how to do it.
Stay tuned . . .
Comments (26)
Great Post! I really like what I'm hearing about Gallo. Even though the report from practice seems like a pretty mundane story, it speaks volumes about Gallo's potential ability to bring the team together.
Can't wait until monday.
: ) thanks for the scouting report on tha roostah. you're forgiven for the dorky segues.
this story is about a week old by now, but it's good -- especially for knicks fans. it's bill simmons' reflection on what a fan feels after his team accomplishes the ultimate.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3467732
it's a reminder that no matter how bad things are now, that transcendent moment --the Allan Houston leaner, LJ's 4-point play, Ewing's putback in Game 7 against the Pacers -- is coming. maybe next year, maybe 10 years, but it's coming. and when it comes, all the isiah years will be forgotten, washed away.
alan's post is a reminder that the knicks are in being run by professionals now, and that good things are going to happen. thanks for this, alan.
Da Roostah Cometh
Bad comics. Horrible actresses. Gambling fantasies.
And no Knicks basketball.
This is why Sam Zell sent the Newsday beat writer to cover the summer league.
Mr. Zell, file this one under Money, Waste of Yours.
And one more thing...I love you Alan! Let's get married and adopt some children! It's legal in California.
Here's hoping that the "Rooster" proves the critics wrong. Until then, here is a friendly reminder of who we didn't draft for those who claimed the "Rooster" was the only player to draft at 6 with Rose, Beasley, Mayo, Westbrook and Love gone.
7. Eric Gordon (Yesterday - 23 points and 8 rebounds)
9. D.J. Augustin (Brown is kissing DJ's boots before the first summer league game today).
10. Brooke Lopez (Eddie Curry will not be able to guard this guy. He can shoot mid-range. Surprise).
14. Anthony Randolph (A couple of fanatics tried to tell you. How is 30 points (12-18 shooting) and 8 rebounds).
do it Rooster. We're counting on you.
That last post was from a Blogger from the fanatics!
Alan,
Not to take you literally but Danny Gans is arguably the best & greatest impersonator of all time. He's not comic like R. Little. He's a singer (impressions that is).
Probably the hottest tix in town.
Is Marbury working out with the summer league team?
Did you bump into Berman yet? Were Marbury and Berman holding hands and cuddling each other? They'
Hey man, loyal fixer who by chance is prowling the Belagio tonight. Dude, that Gans guy has a huge billboard in LA too- almost tempted me. Chose Love (beatles show) instead. Then it off to the $5 WPT tables. I'm going all out....
Have fun bro!
I agree Brandon. In all my years of hooping (all recreationally, few intramurals, sport club leagues but mostly pick-up) only once have I had the experience of someone doing something like Gallo did. Guy running point after a call tells me the ball's coming my way because I was working hard on D...I tell him look we winning and it ain't broke so it don't need fixing. If the Knicks can have that attitude it will go a long way...sometimes it truly is the thought that matters most.
Yeah, LaMont. Besides, spreading the wealth is a good attitude to have on a team. The guys, when regular season practices begin, will start learning who's to be trusted shooting from where. Sharing is good, but you don't want to share blindly...you want to share intelligently. Put guys in positions to score where they're best able to. Gallo's approach sounds great. Spread the wealth, make everybody happy.
How do you get a big man to rebound and play D? Give him the ball when he trails a break!
alan, if i were you i'd skip gans and take in the beatles love show.
Tell Donnie to dump Z-Bo for DeAndre Jordan and a 2010 First Rounder.
Alan - Good post.
I remember asking you about te Knicks' playbook in one of your q&a's last year, so it was interesting to hear that the team had pretty much given up on plays by the end of the Isiah era.
Since the team doesn't have a point guard like Nash who can orchestrate a fast paced offense with maximum efficiency, it sounds like the plan (at this point) is to get shots out of a motion offense. Will they still be looking for quick shots by taking the first good look? There are lots of guys on the team who will be happy to pull the trigger - I wonder if a notorious chucker like Crawford can improve his percentages if he can somehow be compelled to take more open shots, in rhythm.
Its a positive sign that members of the media are allowed to attend practice
Whoever, questioned Walsh for his decision not to trade Zach to the Clippers probably feels stupid now.
Who would trade a 20-10 guy for a 2nd round pick?
We are not that desperate for cap relief because we're on a 2 year plan.
Hey Peaceman, I feel what your saying about them other draft picks but let's not get besides ourselves with thos #'s you posted. This is the first SUMMER LEAGUE game and it means a little more than nothing.
Like I said before....
DJ Augustin will be good but we couldn't take him because he's undersized for our system..and yes I know Nash wasn't the biggest player but Augustin ain't no Nash...that's for damn sure.
Gordon will also be good but not better than the Rooster obviously.
I like our pick....why all the hate for Donnie guys?
If Isiah would've done things like this maybe we'd be better than what we are now.
Donnie and Mike are doing the right thing.
Change in 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 'Rooster' doesn't have any 'critics' yet, other than the booing morons at the draft who had never seem him play, and whining nitwits like Peaceman quoting summer league stats...as if they had some kind of meaning.
Peaceman needs to get his nose out of Ron Artest's sphincter, who he swoons for in every blog, and perhaps start rooting for players on the Knicks.
Just a simple bloggers take on Walsh's decision not to dump Z-bo for a bag of chips.
from
KnicksFanatics
Donny appears to be playing chicken with what I believe to be the following logic. Zach has trade value, and even in the worse case scenario and under incredible time pressur to remove him from the roster before 2010 Zach should at the very least be worthy of a salary dump trade ala the Clippers proposal. But seeing that more comprehensive trade packages were sent to the Knicks by teams like the bulls, Bucks, Nuggets Walsh has figured that he might be able to up the anti. Walsh might alos be considering that Zach’s numbers and play may be rehabilitated under D’antoni, which will open up trade proposals later in the season from teams thinking Zach might put them over the edge if they are on the cusp of the playoffs or a potential playoff team looking to address a team weakeness. To that end for Walsh it is to early in the game to trade Zach for a bag of beans that might happen later if nothing more persuasive is presented. But for now Zach might net more for the team with some PT a sell job (heard that NYMSM) and some measured patience.
@LGM
I agree with you and Davonn that some summer league performances might not be the most indicative or only manner of assessing how this years draft class will perform and wheather they merited their number on the draft. But I think we would be hypocritcal to later say that if Nilo or the Rooster had an oustanding summer league that that would be an indication of his future success as a pro. I hope the Rooster does well in summer league, hope that translates into how he will develop and blossom as a pro.
I'm not gonna hate on the kids who are performing well in summer league. Good for them. All I would like is that Nilo 2-3 years down the line, and prferrably sooner if at all possible, shines as brightly or brighter than any of the other rookies picked in this years draft class.
Also I know you and peaceman have your differences but for the most part most bloggers who visit here respect the Hahns house so let the whole salty nutz stuff go!
Orange and Blue - I've been saying similar things about a hasty trade with Zach - you can add another blogger's cosign to your comments.
LGM, or what your intials stand for ...Loves Gay Men.
What do you know about The 'Rooster"?
You have your Head up his Azz and have yet to see him play?
That's a nitwit! What can you quote about the Rooster?
Try a change in life style , do something different ..like change your underwear more than once a Month.
@ LGM
The Ron Artest update: I am Alex Trebek
Mike D'Antoni sounded relieved yesterday after watching Italy's Danilo Gallinari be everything his Italian friends said he would be.
WOW......why would he have to feel "Relieved?" It was only a #6 draft pick...which we get all the time!
D'Antoni is ebullient when talking about first-round pick Danilo Gallinari, who has been impressive in two practices (with the obvious caveat that it is only practice - summer league practice at that). Wow, this makes him the best Knick ever.WOW!
"WOW........why would he have to feel "Relieved?" It was only a #6 draft pick...which we get all the time!"
Can you say channing frye at #8 in 2005? WOW! Ahead of Bynum? WOW!
Real knicks fans gave Isiah Thomas 4 years to fall flat on his face, Isiah was begging for Walsh to come in and save him.
Wanna-be knicks fans like yourself don't even give Walsh two weeks to sort out the shambles Thomas left this franchise in.
Hey, did you write this:
http://nyer.sosblog.com/KNICKS-FANATICS-1-b1/I-M-DREAMING-OF-A-WHITE-CHRISTMAS-b1-p55673.htm
Now THAT deserves a WOW!
Racism... WOW!
The 'Rooster' doesn't have any 'critics' yet,
Posted by Likes Gay Men aka LGM.
My favorite post from the Fix's live blog .....
[Comment From Pat]
this is my favorite quote on gallinari from garden grasp.com..... It's clear even Donnie Walsh has no clue of what he is doing. Danillo Gallinari couldn't look more like a loser if he had it written on his forehead in red lipstick. Very disappointing evening for Knicks fans
Select posts from other Knick Blogs:
Please. I dont care what people say, dont tell me Gallinari has more upside than Bayless or Gordon. This pick stinks no matter what. If Isiah wouldve made this pick, everyone wouldve killed Isiah. While I obviously have 500 times more faith in Donnie and D'Antoni in what they are doing, I am not just going to be happy and say it was a good pick because Walsh knows what he is doing.
Everyone knows about Dirk Nowitski, but aside from him, no young Euro player drafted in the lottery has turned into a decent player let alone a superstar. Kukoc, Ginobili, Calderon, Noscioni, Scola were all older when they played in the NBA, and Parker was drafted to the Spurs at the end of the 1st round, not exactly a bad team to go to. Look at all the young European players drafted in the lottery and see how bad they have been.
Bayless and Gordon were players who averaged 20 a game as freshman in the Big 10 and Pac 10 and both are amazing shooters who are athletic and quick as hell. Sugarcoat it if you want, but with the 6th pick in the draft im sorry you dont draft a 19 yo Euro project
2. This was a horrible pick. What can he actually do this year? He is too frail and will pay dearly in the paint. So much for brilliant basketball minds taking over the Knicks. Eric Gordon is a stud and we left him on the board. I will no longer root for the Knicks. I cannot take another year of losing.
3. feel the same way that I did when the Knicks picked Frederick Weis over Ron Artest. This is the Maecj Lampe Kid all over again
4.As someone said on a competing blog....stop defending dumb picks. I'm not going to say he's not good, but with our 4 small forwards including our top pick last year, this was unnecessary. The Nets killed us in this draft.
5.WOW, this is a terrible pick. This does not help the team, a weak European punk that can't play defense. Anyone who supports this pick for the knicks needs to realize that we passed up numerous point guards that have greater potential and fill a greater need. This makes me wonder if D'antoni was the right choice for the Knicks being he picked a former teamate's son over obviously more talented players. With this pick we are in for another decade of being the joke of the league. The Knicks should just join the D-League now if they are going to continue drafting this terribly.
6.This is what they fired isaiah to do? This is more of the same knicks crappola
7.lets be realistic.
GALLINARI is a useless pick and a harbinger of what's in store for the future. The new regime simply crapped the bed in the Knicks time honored tradition.
I am tired of showing my allegiance for 35 years and having nothing but incompetance and rising ticket prices in return. This was simply the last straw.
As far as the thug comments: GET A CLUE FOLKS! WHO THE HELL CARES!?! JUST WIN BASKETBALL GAMES.
8.Can anybody say Austin Croshere.....terrible pick. A slow soft European who can shoot. Oh my bad..can anybody say Vladimir Radmonovic....Bring back Isiah.
9.Winners: The Timberwolves, Portland, Chicago
Losers: The Knicks
What do you come to expect from this circus franchise. They'd mess up a wet dream. Remember they traded Weis in front of Artest. Now they snub Alexander. Do they not watch the Big East tournament? Alexander is definitely better and ready. Taking Brook Lopez then trading Curry back to Chicago for Gordon would have given them two players and dumping a dud. You need a veteran guard in New York. Gordon and Crawford as two combo guards for the future, a shot blocking Lopez working with Zach and David Lee maybe. The Knicks got ten players that need to go. They can never win with this ownership.
10.I hear the Italian stiff we just drafted might saty overseas for another year, if not 2 before he joins the NBA/Knicks.
Unbelivable. The first player the new reigme drafted he won't even be in a Knick uniform until 2010 at the earliest. Hey, Walsh, we need help right now!!!
Can't believe I'm saying this, but I kinda want Isiah back.
The 'Rooster' doesn't have any 'critics' LGM??? Remember
you "bundle of sticks"...you started this!
"Can't believe I'm saying this, but I kinda want Isiah back."
I can totally believe your are saying that. You never took Isiah's d1ck out your mouth, you phony.
LGM,
Did your mother drop you on your head when you were
an infant? That post was from Berman's blog!
You have an oral fixation ..huh? sorry dude I'm straight!